Issues
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
Aiea High School
$6,200,000
Design and construction for a new state of the art culinary program and new multi-purpose room in the cafeteria; renovation of Building C, Room 1 and 2; Ground and site improvements; equipment and appurtenances
Pearl City High School
$950,000
Design, construction and equipment to replace gymnasium bleachers, ground and site improvements, equipment and appurtenances
Pearl City High School
$1,800,000
Design, construction and equipment to renovate medical classroom; ground and site improvements; equipment and appurtenances
Waiau Elementary School
$2,400,000
Design and construction for a covered walkway between buildings; ground and site improvements, equipment and appurtenances
Bennette Misalucha's Legislative Priorities
Community
In this time of COVID-19, Hawaii’s people -- even our neighbors – are hurting. We must find ways to assist those who are unemployed, those who have to stay home to care for and tutor children, and those who are already burdened caring for kupuna and individuals with disabilities. I support making immediate and best use of federal CARES Act funds to help Hawaii’s people and the institutions that serve them through these difficult times.
Economy
With tourism knocked down and businesses statewide -- including family companies and mom-and-pop stores -- struggling to stay alive, we must deliver whatever financial assistance can be found, and prepare for what lies ahead. It’s not enough to talk about diversifying Hawaii’s economy. It’s time for communities to work together on what is practical and promising in non-tourism sectors including small- and large-scale agriculture, renewable energy / high tech, biomedicine, astronomy and ocean sciences, and film production / creative arts. We need to build for a future with sustainable not high-growth tourism.
Education
Education must be a priority in every state budget. We must recruit and retain experienced teachers, reduce class size, and provide physical facilities that are conducive to learning.
Broadband Access
One of my immediate priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic is to address digital inequity by making broadband Internet available to all who need access – from students doing distance learning, to kupuna who go online to consult their doctors.
Organized Labor
I appreciate and respect the historic contribution of the labor movement as well as the continuing role of unions in protecting workers’ rights. While unions have won many benefits for their members, there is a still a need for lawmakers to increase the state’s minimum hourly wage to $15, and fight for paid family leave for all workers.